Barmy Army
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The Barmy Army is an organised group of cricket fans which organises touring parties of its members to follow the English cricket team on all of its overseas tours. The group acquired its name during the 1994 - 1995 Test series in Australia.
The Barmy Army has the stated goal To make watching cricket more fun and much more popular. The group uses flags, banners, songs and chants to encourage their team and crowd participation in their activities. Australians, both players and supporters, serve especially as foils for their wit.
In contrast to the reputations of some sports fans for hooliganism, the Barmy Army organises itself thoroughly and actively discourages any unsavoury behaviour. The group engages in charity work, and has a good reputation amongst cricket administrators and among some other fans. However, some traditionally-minded cricket followers find the loud repetitive chanting of the Barmy Army annoying and disruptive.
Since the inception of the Barmy Army, other countries' cricket fans have emulated the group with similar fan organisations. These include the Beige Brigade from New Zealand, known for wearing a former (and at that time very unpopular) brown-and-tan team uniform from the 1980s.
The Barmy Army also tours in the wake of rugby teams.
External link
- Barmy Army official web site (http://www.barmy-army.com/)
- Beige Brigade official web site (http://www.beigebrigade.co.nz/)